ix, 430 pages ; 24 cm

Noting that the doctrine of Purgatory does not appear in the Latin theology of the West before the late twelfth century, the author identifies the profound social and intellectual changes which caused its widespread acceptance

Translation of: La naissance du purgatoire

Includes bibliographical references and index

The third place -- Part One: The hereafter before Purgatory -- Ancient imaginings -- The fathers of Purgatory -- The early Middle Ages: doctrinal stagnation and the riot of imagination -- Part Two: The twelfth century: the birth of Purgatory -- The century of the great advance -- The fire of Purgatory -- "Locus Purgatorius": a place for purgation -- Purgatory between Sicily and Ireland -- The logic of Purgatory -- Part Three: The triumph of Purgatory -- The scholastic systematization -- Social victory: Purgatory and the cure of souls -- The poetic triumph: The Divina Commedia -- Why Purgatory?

plus-circle Add Review

comment

Reviews